AIMS: To review the current research of hidden populations of illicit drugs users using web-based methods and discuss major advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: Systematic review of 16 databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CSA Sociological Abstracts, Expanded Academic ASAP and Google Scholar. FINDINGS: Substances researched were most commonly 'party/club drugs' (such as ecstasy) and cannabis. All of the studies reviewed concluded that the internet is a useful tool for reaching hidden populations, but is likely to impose some bias in samples. Advantages include: access to previously under-researched target groups; speed; international applications; increased ease of data entry; and improved confidentiality for respondents. The major disadvantage is a lack of representativeness of samples. CONCLUSIONS: Internet research is successful at accessing hidden populations of illicit drugs users, when appropriately targeted and provides unprecedented opportunities for research across a wide range of topics within the addictions field. Findings are unlikely to be generalisable to the general public, but appropriate for describing target populations.
AIMS: To review the current research of hidden populations of illicit drugs users using web-based methods and discuss major advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: Systematic review of 16 databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CSA Sociological Abstracts, Expanded Academic ASAP and Google Scholar. FINDINGS: Substances researched were most commonly 'party/club drugs' (such as ecstasy) and cannabis. All of the studies reviewed concluded that the internet is a useful tool for reaching hidden populations, but is likely to impose some bias in samples. Advantages include: access to previously under-researched target groups; speed; international applications; increased ease of data entry; and improved confidentiality for respondents. The major disadvantage is a lack of representativeness of samples. CONCLUSIONS: Internet research is successful at accessing hidden populations of illicit drugs users, when appropriately targeted and provides unprecedented opportunities for research across a wide range of topics within the addictions field. Findings are unlikely to be generalisable to the general public, but appropriate for describing target populations.
Authors: Delroy Cameron; Gary A Smith; Raminta Daniulaityte; Amit P Sheth; Drashti Dave; Lu Chen; Gaurish Anand; Robert Carlson; Kera Z Watkins; Russel Falck Journal: J Biomed Inform Date: 2013-07-25 Impact factor: 6.317
Authors: Brandon D L Marshall; Traci C Green; Beth Elston; Jesse L Yedinak; Scott E Hadland; Melissa A Clark Journal: Subst Use Misuse Date: 2018-01-24 Impact factor: 2.164
Authors: Francois R Lamy; Raminta Daniulaityte; Ramzi W Nahhas; Monica J Barratt; Alan G Smith; Amit Sheth; Silvia S Martins; Edward W Boyer; Robert G Carlson Journal: Int J Drug Policy Date: 2017-06-01
Authors: Crystelle A Egan; Susan E Marakovitz; Julia A O'Rourke; Lisa Osiecki; Cornelia Illmann; Lauren Barton; Elizabeth McLaughlin; Rachel Proujansky; Justin Royal; Heather Cowley; Martha Rangel-Lugo; David L Pauls; Jeremiah M Scharf; Carol A Mathews Journal: Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet Date: 2012-10-22 Impact factor: 3.568